There's an interesting discussion going on in the comments at Kill-as-few-patients-as-possible between health care professionals and lay people about the use of narcotics for pain control. Apparently, there are a number of people who might fake a pain in order to get a prescription for pain control medicine. And, it follows that there would be people who are legitimately in pain but who are denied access to pain control drugs because someone thought they were maligning. Sounds like a tough situation to be in.
To put back pain in financial perspective, Duke University Medical Center, [link], has concluded in a study that Americans spent $26 billion in 1998 on the treatment of back pain.
Makes me want to improve my posture.
I remember the nurse not wanting to increase my father's morphine because she was afraid he would get addicted. He died of colon cancer the next afternoon.
Posted by: Redman | January 06, 2004 at 03:21 PM
Redman, that's a very sad story. The sight of a loved one in pain is something that can stick with you forever.
Posted by: George | January 07, 2004 at 09:54 AM
Redman:
That's criminal, and is specifically not the concern I have with narcotics. I think progress has been made in the treatment of terminally ill patients with pain, but there is clearly room for improvement. So sorry to hear of your dad's situation.
Posted by: craig | January 07, 2004 at 08:36 PM
I agree that things are much better than they used to be on this front. I believe most reputable hospices do an excellent job regarding pain management and they are genuinely concerned with keeping the patient as comfortable as possible.
Posted by: Redman | January 08, 2004 at 08:53 AM
I saved almost 80% on my ...
[advertisement deleted]
... medications.
Posted by: Lily | November 02, 2004 at 10:23 AM